Meet John!

Learning Partner John

Grade / Major

B.A. in English

Tell us about yourself!

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, I came to Knoxville for school, but I am still here because this place is home. I have been involved with mission work all my life and continue to seek opportunities to serve in this community. If you want to know more, just ask!

Why did you choose Alternative Break's Urban Youth Development trip?

Urban Youth Development is an area in which I have worked for the last six years and it is a passion of mine. America's youth faces a lot of challenges, most of which they have no control over. I look forward to sharing my experience in this area while learning through our experiences together on this trip.

Favorite Hobbies:

Tennis, running, cooking, traveling, serving others, live music/concerts, playing with my dog

Spirit Animal?

Tiger

Meet Christi!

Grade / Major

Sophomore majoring in Communication Studies and Psychology

Tell us about yourself!

Yo, my name is Christi! I was born in an itty bitty small town in Mississippi but moved to Collierville, TN (right by Memphis- 901 represent!!!) when I was 10. I attended Germantown High School and was in the International Baccalaureate Program. I was President of National Spanish Honor Society and involved in Key Club- both of which were very service based. For National Spanish Honor Society we even put on a play reenactment of a story IN SPANISH at the local library for kids. My mom has been a teacher for over 20 years and she has been the biggest role model in my life and seeing her work with kids of all ages has shown me how much of a difference one person can make in a child's life! I even followed in her footsteps and became an assistant teacher at my old school back in Collierville! My biggest goal in life is to radiate positivity everywhere I go! I know one of the greatest gifts you can give someone is a smile. I hope to gain more experience on this ASB trip and can’t wait to share some laughs with everyone :~)

Why did you choose Alternative Break's Urban Youth Development trip?

I chose to go on ASB because I love to volunteer and devoting my spring break to a trip dedicated to service work- seemed like the perfect fit!

Favorite Hobbies:

I enjoy the simpler things in life such as napping and netflixing and dank memes.

Spirit Animal?

Sabertooth tiger but also a jelly fish but also a mixture of a mammoth, a platypus, and a manatee (hmu for a pic)

Anything else you would like to tell us?

I like eggs

Meet Chris!

Grade / Major

Junior in Political Science with a Minor in History

Tell us about yourself!

Big question, but we'll give it a shot! :) I was born and raised in Mt. Juliet, TN, but Knoxville has quickly become a second home! Whether it’s been through being a camp counselor, writing for The Daily Beacon, or being an RA in Clement Hall, I’ve had the chance to take advantage of some great opportunities both on-campus and off. The "big dream" for me is to be the next Mr. Feeny! Just kidding (only sorta), but I am pursuing a career in teaching--specifically at the high school level--and hope to be the kind of teacher that goes above and beyond merely presenting material in a really dry way. (Bueller..Bueller..Bueller..) Some other little snippets: I'm a very punny person and a big fan of cheesy humor (#DadJokes). Also, I have never traveled further west than St. Louis (contrary to my last name), so I'll be tying this record again over the course of this trip.

Why did you choose Alternative Break's Urban Youth Development trip?

I have previous experiences working with youth of many ages and diverse backgrounds--including children from tough socioeconomic backgrounds-and have always enjoyed serving as a role model working as a summer camp counselor or in previous opportunities as well. When I heard about UYD as a trip topic for ASB, it really appealed to me as a unique chance to dedicate a week digging deep into issues that these youth face in their everyday lives. Not often do you have the opportunity to sort of leave the life you have in Knoxville (or wherever you call home) behind and spend it serving a place that we were aware was in need of an assist (even if that location hadn't yet been revealed). My hope is that despite these big issues that may face them, we will be able to make an impact and be able to better understand the stories that they live out day-to-day.

Favorite Hobbies:

Whenever I have free time, I occasionally like to Netflix binge shows like The Office, How I Met Your Mother, or Friends, cheer on the Vols, hang out with friends old and new, and make the occasional escape to the great outdoors either hiking, running, or just relaxing.

Spirit Animal?

I'd have to say a puppy--always goofy and quick to run around/be active, but I'm also a big proponent of sleeping and snuggling up in a toasty blanket. It's a perfect mix!

Anything else you would like to tell us?

Excited to get to know everyone on team better and to get this show on the road to St. Louis!

Meet Haley!

Grade / Major

Sophomore; Psychology + Elementary Education

Tell us about yourself!

I love being silly and spreading positivity! I am a member of Zeta Tau Alpha where I serve as house manager and a loving sister. I am also the Vice President of Students Helping Honduras, another service trip organization on campus. I love spending time with my friends and having a good time anywhere I go (specially the library)! If you know me, I am always trying to find a way to make people smile!

Why did you choose Alternative Break's Urban Youth Development trip?

I chose to be a part of Alternative Spring Break because I have such a big passion to help others! Whether it be in a underdeveloped country or my local town, I am willing to be at the service of others! I would much rather spend my spring break spreading happiness to other people!

Favorite Hobbies:

My favorite hobbies include binge watching Gilmore Girls, spending time with friends, trying to teach my pet betta fish tricks, and sleeping.

Spirit Animal?

My spirit animal is a Koala Bear. Koalas are known to sleep an average of 27 hours a day; the same goes for me. I love sleeping! Whether it is a quick catnap in the middle of the day or a nice 12 hour nights rest, I loveeee to sleep. Also, Koalas are very cute and cuddly something I strive to be as well.

Meet Elena!

Grade / Major

Junior in Agricultural Communications

Tell us about yourself!

My main goal in life is to pursue Christ in everything that I do. He has blessed me extensive travel and leadership experience and has allowed me to use those experiences to serve others. I am most passionate about agriculture and servant leadership and hope to one day volunteer with the Peace Corps.

Why did you choose Alternative Break's Urban Youth Development trip?

I traveled to Soweto, South Africa in January 2015 and met the most amazing little girl named Impeni. Even though we did not speak the same language, we were inseparable. She sparked a flame in my life that can be described as none other than life changing. I think and pray about her safety and wellbeing everyday. Though she isn't aware, she still affects my life today. I want to be a selfless servant for all children now, both near and far.

Favorite Hobbies:

Running, reading, drinking coffee, and napping.

Spirit Animal?

Fat Amy

Meet Anna!

Grade / Major

Junior, Accounting

Tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN so I guess you could say I've always been a true "vol for life". I went to a private high school where I was super involved in the performing arts. I did choir, and musical theater all four years of high school and ensemble for the last two years. So I love me some singing. I am a hands down dog person. My friends can tell you my dog is probably my best friend. He is a two year old Boxer who is named Albus after Albus Dumbledore (my family is full of hardcore potter heads). I also am a part of my sorority here at UT, Kappa Kappa Gamma, who has brought me some of my closest and dearest friends. We also are involved in philanthropy events every semester than benefit March of Dimes, Reading is Fundamental, and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation!

Why did you choose Alternative Break's Urban Youth Development trip?

I have had previous volunteer experience with children and when I applied I actually wrote about that experience because it was the most important to me. I think being an older sister has had something to do with my nurturing personality towards younger children. I've always enjoyed being around kids and I think that's what lead me to applying for the urban youth development. Also because I wanted to learn more about this issue.

Favorite Hobbies:

My dog, crafting, reading, baking, singing, and napping.

Spirit Animal?

Spongebob Squarepants

Anything else you would like to tell us?

My friends call me AC, so feel free to call me that as well.

Meet Elizabeth!

Grade / Major

Junior Speech Pathology Major!

Tell us about yourself!

I am from a wonderfully small town in the very west corner of our state known as Dyersburg, Tn! It is 6 hours away from my beautiful new home in Knoxville (Tn is a really long state). I transfered here my sophmore year to pursue my dream of being a speech pathologist. I am in love with my new urban setting (I love urban things....such as urban youth!) I would love to move to a different part of the country (paciffic northwest ideally). My dream is to work in a hospital setting one day, so that I can help people of all ages. I was born with scarring around my corneas, and it left me with low vision so I would love to devote my life to helping others like so many have helped me. I am an avid reader/writer and a lifelong fan of all things disney and animation. You will often see my with my headphones in, because I love the way music has the power to energize you and lift you up. My favorite artists are Coldplay and Owl City. I love meeting new people and making new friends (like all of you), and I look forward to growing together as we embark on what I am sure will be the "Adventure of a Lifetime"

Why did you choose Alternative Break's Urban Youth Development trip?

I wanted to participate in the Urban Youth Development trip, because coming from a family full of educators (mom, aunt, and grandmother all proud teachers). I grew up learning about the struggles that some kids face everyday, and I want to do what I can to help. I believe at the core of each child is the desire for the same things: love, laughter, hope, and dreams. Every child deserves the best we have to offer, because as cliche as it sounds they really are our future. Now that I am what you might call a "young adult" (kind of a scary thought) I find myself often thinking of the adults who made me who I am today. The teachers, parents, and mentors I had throughout my childhood truly shaped all the best parts of me. I don't know what kind of impact we can make in these kids lives with one week, but I am committed to giving them the best of me for that week and I know the amazing team I am going with feels the same way. I do know for sure that during the week we are there these kids are going to get a whole lot of love, and that's a beautiful place to start!

Favorite Hobbies:

I love to read and write. I also love music and everything Disney!

Spirit Animal?

Mabel Pines from Gravity Falls (yes it is a cartoon on disney channel and yes you should absolutely watch it)

Anything else you would like to tell us?

I am already feeling some major love from all corners of this group and I can't wait to get to know each and every one of you!

Meet Molly and Wil!

Molly & Wil working with Habitat for Humanity on AB Leader retreat

First, we are super excited to lead a DREAM TEAM on a week of service!

Ranking applicants was an incredibly tough process. I think I speak for all Alt. Break trip leaders when I say that if we could have accepted everyone who applied, we would have. So many unique individuals with awesome experience, interests, and skills applied. If you know someone who did not make it into a trip team this year, tell them to apply again with you next year!!

Now, we would like to formally introduce ourselves...

I'm Wil!

I am a senior, graduating in May with a B.A. in Communications Studies. My family lives on a farm in Clinton, TN (30 min away from UTK), but I moved to Knoxville a couple of years ago. Farm life isn't for me. I am on my 6th year of work at the Knoxville Zoo, and I would not trade that time for anything in the world! Non-profits have a special space in my heart, and I plan on continuing to work in the management field when I graduate.

Our theme, urban youth development (known henceforth as UYD or #UYD), is incredibly important to me. I personally believe that the healthy development of children is the most critical and impactful responsibilities that adults and young adults have today. Through service at various non-profits, hardly a single day passes where I am not working directly with youth. One of my short-term goals (within the next year or so) is to be a Big for Big Brother Big Sister. One of my long-term family goals is to foster or adopt children.

I look forward to learning and serving with all of you on our trip! Let's do this!!! #dreamteam #UYD #ABLove

and I'm Molly!

I'm a sophomore from Memphis, TN majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Business. Besides being an Alternative Break Leader, I'm also involved in the Ignite Program, Student Alumni Associates, Running Club and The Daily Beacon. I'm a big fan of coffee, dogs, cheesy puns and making new friends (like ASB participants woooo).

Urban Youth Development is really meaningful to me because I think it's incredibly important to learn about factors that can hinder positive development in children and teens in order to work towards real change. I also love being able to invest in people early on in their lives and just build relationships with them! And of course I'm super stoked to serve with our ASB group and learn more about youth development in urban areas!! YAYYYYYYY

Next...

Very soon, we will introduce you to our Learning Partners, John and Janice! Stay tuned....

Now that our service sites are practically finalized and our dream team is assembled, our first meeting (Tuesday February 9th at 7 PM at the Panhellenic Multipurpose room) will be the official start of the adventure. We cannot wait to meet everyone and get the ball rolling for our Alt Break trip! Thank you everyone for choosing to spend your spring break with us!